Vail Honors President Ford

Vail Mountain has designated the last pitch of the black diamond trail Giant Steps to "38." It's on the front side of the mountain, overlooking another of President Ford's former homes in the mountain town. "Dad's fond memories of the Vail Valley spanned many decades. He always spoke with pride and happiness about our family activities in Beaver Creek and Vail, and especially skiing, golfing, and our holidays spent together with friends in the mountains," said Mrs. Gerald R. Ford in a written statement of behalf of she and their four children Mike, Jack, Steve and Susan. "President Ford remains a deeply respected member of the Vail Valley and Beaver Creek families. We are thankful for his commitment and generous contributions to our community and his leadership in shaping our world-class resorts. Skiers and snowboarders can share the former president's love for the mountains each time they carve a turn or float through fresh powder on '38' at Vail and 'President Ford's' at Beaver Creek," said John Garnsey, Chief Operating Officer for Beaver Creek.